Britons heading to Spain were in for a nightmare of travel chaos as staff at the country’s biggest airport went on strike.
Passengers braced for delayed and missed flights as they were advised to arrive at the airport early to avoid disappointment.
The strike action at Adolfo Suarez Madri-Barajas airport is ‘indefinite and full-time’, say unions.
Passenger control staff began the industrial action following a dispute with the private company that runs the security lanes over working conditions.
With around 800 employed at the airport, they say the amount of work they have to do ‘far exceeds’ that at other Spanish airports.
Shocking images shared to social media show the chaotic airport as passengers wait in endless ques.
It has also been reported queues for passport control have seem some tourists left stranded.
And this morning the wait to get through security was reported to be around over an hour and a half.
Britons heading to Spain are in for a nightmare of travel chaos as staff at the country’s biggest airport went on strike
Passengers braced for delayed and cancelled flights as they have been advised to arrive at the airport early to avoid disappointment
Shocking images shared to social media show the chaotic airport as passengers wait in endless ques
One user said on X: ‘Made it through Madrid airport…Chaos today as security employees decided to strike
Another joked: ‘Seen this before – one strike and the whole airport equilibrium collapses.’
One traveller posted on X: ‘There was a detour to take the bus to the airport, they changed the stop.
‘I arrive at Barajas and there is a three-block queue for security control due to a strike.’
Another frustrated tourist said: ‘When I talk about kilometre-long queues to get though security checks at Terminal 4, I’m not exaggerating,’
State-owned airport authority AENA commented on X: ‘Due to the strike called by Trablisa security staff at Madrid-Barajas Airport, security check times may be longer than usual.
‘We apologise for any inconvenience caused.’
With 6 million Brits jetting off to this newly affected European spot each year, the upcoming strikes are set to cause even more disruption to holidaymakers.
More strikes are expected later on in the month.
On September 26, multiple national 24-hour strikes are set to occur including baggage handlers associated with Assaeroporti, the union CUB Trasporti, and Volotea staff.
Cagliari Elmas Airport’s security staff are also expected to strike for 24 hours.
Milan Linate Airport and Milano Malpensa Airport are reportedly due to be hit by four-hour baggage handling staff strikes.
Staff from FLAI Transport and Services are also due to step down for four hours.
Passengers travelling on the mentioned dates have been urged to check ahead of time for any disruption or cancellations.
Ivalyo Danailov, CEO of airline compensation specialists SkyRefund said: ‘Passengers with EasyJet and Volotea should check if they are eligible for compensation, as strikes by airline staff are considered to be reasons for delay within the airlines control, therefore making passengers with them potentially eligible for compensation.
‘Passengers affected by the strikes of airport staff, such as baggage handlers, or security staff however are unlikely to be eligible for delay compensation, as these are considered extraordinary circumstances.
‘Nonetheless, passengers remain entitled to essential assistance, including meals, refreshments, communication, and accommodation if necessary, during prolonged delays. We strongly advise all travellers to keep themselves informed about potential disruptions on the affected days.’
